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eoinageary
Irish_Reviewer
Reviews
The Penguin: Gold Summit (2024)
The Plan for power
HOW CAN IT END THERE !!
Oz and Vic are in the mists of growing the Bliss business around the city. I'm guessing a decent amount of time passed since last week as a lot of the product has grown. Vic is getting some hassle from squid and must create a solution to the problem. Oz is planning on rallying the troops around Gotham to deal with and push back from Sofia and Sal. Oz's mom isn't adjusting as well as he hopped as they are left without power. Meanwhile Sofia and Sal are on a mission to find what Oz holds close and destroy it.
Another very solid episode. Definitely a bit of a slower pace in which I feel the next two episodes are going to be mental. There are yet again even in a "build" episode a lot that happens. You have Vic seriously leaning into this new life, Oz scrambling to grow the business, Sofia seems more cool and collected on the hunt for Oz while Sal is foaming at the mouth wanting revenge.
Oz and his mom is a brilliant segment in the show, it is the only shred of loyalty the man has and the only small thing left as a viewer I can see still liking Oz for one good quality.
I can't wait for next week, even in the small moments of niceness and purity we get, I never feel safe as the viewer, I was right, 8/10.
Agatha All Along: Death's Hand in Mine (2024)
Time Bending
A very Loki time designed episode that I really enjoyed.
Agatha and Billy come to another trial. This one a bit more sinister that others as it revolves around tarot cards, falling swords and a falling spiky roof. The usual 30 minute time is in action. On the flip side Lilia and Jennifer are off the road and need to get back to the trial. Lilia is being pulled through flashes of time that seems to be putting some puzzle pieces together.
The whole dealing with time in this episode is very cool, how it's seen as not linear but puzzle pieces. Lilia is finally understanding flashes or premonitions she has been having over the years and it seems to be pulling together.
The acting is extremely strong, some fantastic visuals, cool music and overall a good episode, 8.5/10.
Agatha All Along: Familiar by Thy Side (2024)
A good episode
A cool flashback episode after last weeks reveal.
This episode is Billy centric. We see how Billy has come to be. A flashback episode which shows him tracking down Agatha and why he needs to. It shows the effect Wanda had on Agatha in Westview, showing what happens the people who believe they are truly in the spell. Billy delves into why he needs to be on the road.
A good episode this week, I enjoyed the move away from trial after trial kinda episodes, some have been good but it is nice to break the formula for a while,
I think the acting is good, some kinda quipy jokes that are meh at times but that's the Disney way at this point. That would be my negative for this week.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Gorefest but has a story
Better than the first 2 but still some nasty work!
Art is back, brought to our world by a demon who has possessed the body of a woman who was attacked by art in a previous film. They want to kill all around them, getting a 5 year jump from the end of the last movie to now. We also reunite with Ciena who has been in and out of psychiatric hospitals due to her trauma. Now living with her aunt uncle and cousin, she starts piecing things together through troubling nightmares that she is the counterbalance to the demonic presence of Art and co.
There are many improvements to the previous 2, firstly the effects are very strong, some jarring scenes in here. The acting is a massive jump, the supporting cast of the movie are much better than the previous. And mostly the story, as absolutely bat sshit as it may be, at least it is there and it doesn't just seem like a movie with brutal murders for the sake of it. What I do live is the sinister dark comedy Art portrays. Laughing at the worst times and mannerisms are quite good.
These gore filled movies aren't my jam so much, I wasn't into the SAW movies bar a few, not that it's scary it just seems like a lot of killing and so graphic I feel less is more sometimes.
On that though, people running out leaving or getting sick is a bit much, maybe if the only other horror you have seen was a nightmare before Christmas sure, but this just takes it that bit further than others. Overall it's fine, I wouldn't rewatch but it's shock value works and Art is a presence, 6.5/10.
The Penguin: Homecoming (2024)
Do or Die
This week we say goodbye to flashbacks and look to the future of Gotham.
Oz is dealing with the shake up of getting caught out by Sofia and losing any form of "relationship" with the Moronies. He tasks Vic with protecting his mother while there is heat on the street due to his antics this week. He understands he has no allies now and wants to push pressure on the Moroni family so decides to take a bargaining chip to get his mushrooms back. Sofia is pushing for head of the family and needs Vidi to help her set up plans. She also looks to rebrand the family.
A very strong episode that could be argued to be a set up episode for the last 3 yet has so much happening simultaneously. How Oz can think under the pressure is wow, but the more the show goes on he really reveals how much of a snake he is that is only out for himself no matter what he tells people.
I worry for Vic, right now he's in the thick of it, although he seems to want it, Oz has him convinced he is his guy, and he may be, but I think that means more to us and Vic than it does to Oz.
Sofia has a great story also at the moment, my only prediction is that she will be killed by the end of the show or Salvitore will be and that will be Oz's claim to Kingpin against 1 other family in the Batman part 2 because I doubt there can only be one powerhouse in the drugs game. Very good, 8.5/10.
Wolfs (2024)
Light Watch
Quite enjoyable
2 clean up men cross paths when Margret a high up official is involved in an accident surrounding a younger man. Margaret rings George while the owner of the hotel where the accident occurs rings Brad. As they are forced to work together when they suddenly find out the body isn't as dead as they thought, they just now finish the job from all angles, including a drug drop.
It's a slower paced movie with a lot of witty moments surrounding Brad and George. These two characters who always work alone clash in all things professional and personal. I think they are secretly happy they don't have to do this job alone.
The story itself is fine, it's the two mains that carry it, I don't think it's a bad movie at all, it's an easy light watch with 2 good action scenes and the humour is quite good.
A little more umph would have brought the score up more, but I liked it, 7/10.
The Substance (2024)
That's Hollywood
Body Horror at the highest degree.
Elisabeth Sparkle is setting upon the end of her career, a choice that is not her own. She is being replaced by a younger and more attractive woman. She decides to take drastic measures as a last chance to keep her youth and takes the substance. As her you get self comes to light, she must be in each body for 7 days no exceptions. Things start taking harder turns when her younger self tries to take more time in the light.
The movie is absolutely disgusting. It went so far beyond what I could have imagined the movie being, a horror in its own right.
Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are so so good, both playing very different roles with similar goals. Both playing a massive part in the 3rd act.
It's well written, well shot a cool music mix, and a strong message about aging in Hollywood mixed with self doubt and anxiety and body dysmorphia in people who are beautiful being told they are not. A movie worth watching, and don't eat, 8/10.
Agatha All Along: Darkest Hour / Wake Thy Power (2024)
Pretty decent
Definitely a stronger episode in the season so far.
We are on the road again... the next trial awaits and it absolutely splits our group more than before. Agatha being the point of focus this trial which deals with spirits and possession. We see teen find his own among the witches while the team take a blow.
Yea decent episode, not seeing the power of a certain someone going forward being THEM but always optimistic. Cool visuals and a cool trial.
Not super into the reveal and end of this episode but it could be cool so I will keep watching. Agatha being a compelling character but I would like a bit more of a serious tone mixed into those big moments I feel it's a bit too light.
Good performances and cool visuals, 7/10.
The Penguin: Cent'Anni (2024)
IGN gave this a 5 ?
Firstly, this episode has to be an Emmy nomination for Cristin Milioti.
This episode goes back 10 years ago and we see how Sofia ends up in Arkham Asylum. Staying there for over 10 years has worn her down to say the least. This episode is all Sofia while also jumping to the current time and how she deals with the blow of last week.
Wow, wow, wow, this episode was absolutely fantastic! Sofia has been put through just sheer amount of torture for years !!! Claiming to be innocent of the crimes that are against her we see what that has done to her.
The whole 30 minute Arkham stint is HORRIBLE in a great way, normally I hate flash back episodes and usually skip through but I can honestly say I wouldn't skip a minute of this episode!
Cant fault this in any way, sheer brilliance in all areas ! This show just keeps getting better and better, 9/10.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Campy Fun
The witches try to strike again
It's 2022 and tales of the Sanderson sisters are still around the town of Salem. When one night two friends venture into the woods for some witchcraft of their own they unintentionally bring back the chaos of the sisters. As they adapt to the modern world their goal is to create a potion to live past sunrise. Becca and Izzy must try and save Salem before it's too late and the witches are free.
It's fun, if it's a new witch story you are here for you will be disappointed as this basically rehashes the first movie with few twists.
Regardless of the above, it's some Halloween fun for all the family. The sisters are as good as ever, a good supporting cast and some mischievous acts they get up to which will give you a laugh, 6/10.
The Penguin: Bliss (2024)
Things are escalating
Another beyond solid episode this week.
Oz is playing the card of Sofia Falcone while Vic is burdened by his past and mixing the people of it in this new lifestyle. Oz and Sofia are trying to push the "revolutionary" drug into Gotham and need to re kindle old connections to do it. Vic is questioning whether this life is for him or not.
Very very happy with this weeks episode. We get a lot of Oz and Sofia one on one, there is a clear tension of what Oz did to her before and that looming issue of Oz working for as opposed to working with.
We get flash backs for Vic but the perfect amount, enough to establish relationships and build more of Gotham without feeling dragged down by a flashback.
There is no dialogue wasted, a perfect blend of action and drama this episode, an incredible ending and I'm very much looking forward to next week, 8.5/10.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Scary and Funny in 2024
This is a first watch and I absolutely love it.
The movie is about 2 American tourists David and Jack who end up in a small village in England. They accidentally stumble upon a myth in the village and Jack is savagely killed. David wakes up in a London hospital, the police telling him one thing that happened while his mind remembers another. Haunted by the presence of Jack, David is a few nights away from a full moon, which he has been told will not bowed well for him.
The movie is very good, perfect run time also. My favourite is that we don't see any werewolf action after the start and towards the end. It's a slow build up to what will happen on the full moon.
The practical effects are good, some good jump cuts to enforce the Wolf, gore, music, and the acting sells.
I am very happy to have finally seen this, 8/10.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
A lot of running
No idea what this was about, happy surprise it was decent.
The story is about a doctor who has a patient who was murdered by a mystery figure, his daughter comes to town to try and figure out what happened, this takes the two of them out of town and down a path neither of them could have expected.
So elephant in the room, if this movie was stand alone or renamed I think the reception would have been better as big Mike is not in this.
I did like the peculiar feel to the movie, this deep secret in a small town run by the owner of a Halloween mask is strange in itself.
Funky old music, practical effects and classic horror acting which is what I like. However as it's season of the witch I was expecting more witch like things that never came.
I'd say 20 minutes if not more of this movie is someone sneaky running hahahaba, a decent October watch, 6/10.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
I'm the clown for waiting 4 and a bit years
This just didn't do it for me
Joker returns! We start off with Arthur in Arkham who seems to have taken a step back from the "Joker" and is quieter, that is until he meets Harley days before his trial. She is obsessed with the joker, not so much Arthur. The movie takes action as Arthur must stand trial for the crimes he committed in the last movie.
It's not that entertaining unfortunately. I feel like the whole arc of him kind of goes nowhere, the pacing is quite strange because I thought it started out quite strong but slowly faded. The court room isn't that entertaining bar Puddles on the stand.
This is definitely a movie of good scenes over a good movie, didn't like the singing aspects after the first 30-40 minutes just want my cup of tea.
The movie was shot really well, looks very good and the soundtrack is okay.
Nothing else more to say I don't want to just slam it, 5/10.
Salem's Lot (2024)
Spooky Vamps are back
We have returned to The Lot !
The movie is about a book author Ben who returns home after many years to Salems Lot. He is doing research for a new book and into his past. A new kid at school Mark makes his mark standing up to a Bully that even his teacher Mr Burke knows is a pain. Things go sideways as kids begin to go missing and the body count of the Lot rises. There is a darkness seeping into the lot as there are new residents in the Marsten house.
I did like it, it's a nice Halloween treat and a fun way to start October. There was some very good performances, Mr Burke was a stand out for me, I started to enjoy Dr Cody more and more as it went on and the third half Mike shines!!
The whole atmosphere was cool, the old town, foggy woods and nights, dim lights, and a dark colour I enjoyed. The movie didn't rely on jumpscares for a thrill which is also good. The vampires were quite cool and I love that it stuck very close to the book.
My issue was the pacing and clear identification of studio interference which drives me bananas. The movie was over too fast, what King does best is slow and tense build ups, I think the first 20 minutes was build up and the movie flew threw the rest giving no time to breed or create that suspense.
Not only that but at times the movie feels like it was trying to be too many tones, cool action, scary horror, slow build, quick action, stick to the book, be original, it felt a bit messy for a while, normally that ruins a movie but not here, for me it just shows it could have been great if left alone !!
I would have liked maybe more of a practical look on Barlow, and some other vampire scenes.
Overall it's good, should have been 2hr 40 but blame the studio for that, good Halloween watch, 7/10.
Agatha All Along: If I Can't Reach You / Let My Song Teach You (2024)
Lacking this week
Fine episode nothing to ride home about
This week is Task 2, with the events of the ending of last week we need a new witch on the scene. When summoning a witch they get someone they didn't expect. Regardless of their differences they must proceed to task 2 and progress down the road.
This episode looking back not a lot happened, summoning a new witch, trying to beat a task which was only okay entertainment wise, and the repercussions of said task, which again are okay.
There is a decent story from the past which keeps cropping up that seems intriguing, the aesthetic of the show is very pleasing.
Only okay this week, 6/10.
The Penguin: Inside Man (2024)
"Trust me"
I find it ironic that Oz says trust me so much and the same man is one of the most untrustworthy people in Gotham, I love it.
Episode 2 picks up with Sofia struggling on adapting to a "normal" life outside Arkham. Oz is playing his strength as the middle main, trying to juggle the Falcones and the Maronis. With both families showing they have little to no respect for Oz, he gets a chance to show what he can do during a drops stash move. This leads to a plethora of issues for Oz and he has to be kept on his toes.
Yea another fantastic episode, I'm really enjoying Oz and Sofia a lot! You can see slowly there is a form of a relationship blossoming. And I like that the trailers and clips for the series are 99% episodes 1 and 2 leaving the next 6 a complete surprise.
The absolute grit and grime of Gotham is so enjoyable to watch, that mixed with a great score and also stellar performances it's hard not to enjoy the show.
People compare it to the sopranos style and breaking bad formula dialogue but honestly I see the Penguin holding its own so far, with perfect pace and good progression each episode, this could be a major hit, 8.5/10.
Agatha All Along (2024)
Spooky Trials
Yea getting good now !
We see the coven face the wrath of the road in episode 3. The group come up against their first trial which is centred around a time limit and completely a handful of challenges.
A fun episode most definitely, what I like the most about this show is how drawing all the characters are. Usually these shows ( Disney plus marvel ) have a tendency to have the same characters in every show over and over while here it feels fresh, I mean you have your comic relief and also grumpy characters but it feels natural for witches to be like this.
Agatha yes is fantastic but I love Mrs Heart, she has been very funny, tagging along this journey.
The story is good, I love the aesthetic of the episode and the road, cool moments and crazy end, 7/10.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Follow Your Passion
O Captain my Captain
The movie is set in the late 60s in an American boarding school. A group of boys become friends and they all take a shine to a particular teacher, Mr Keating. The English teacher that rebels the system and wants them to learn and grow as humans rather than just copy and paste learning from a book. The lessons he teaches aligns with their struggles in Love, passion, friendship, guidance, and being a person.
This is a phenomenal movie and I've seen a review saying it's cringe in 2024, well I believe you have missed the entire point of the movie.
It's a deeply moving movie, the first half is a little slow at times when Robin isn't on screen but this can be argued as there is a lot of set up to do with the boys.
It would be the last hour that is perfect and the last 30 minutes that is some of the best acting I've seen.
You can take so many things from this movie but for me it's follow your dreams, be who you are, don't bend or change for society or because it might not be "popular", just go for it, LIVE because at some point you won't get the chance to live again, and if that's not relevant I don't know what is.
Loved it, a 9/10 I never want to watch again.
Cuckoo (2024)
A fine watch
Decent movie.
A simple plot to start, Gretchen movies to Germany with her dad and his family. When they arrive in what seems to be the mountains, strange events start happening with visions of a woman following her and when her half sister starts getting seizures things get very strange.
The movie is decent, I preferred the start of not knowing because when I found out what was happening I was a tiny bit meh about the reveal.
Still had a decent story to it, good scenes and also a good cast. I liked most of it, some parts were skipable.
Grand watch for a weird bunch of Germans trying to keep the lore alive. 6/10.
The Penguin: After Hours (2024)
Very Clever
Oz is a certified yapper in the best way possible.
Episode 1 starts off fairly close to where The Batman ended. The city is struggling big time, with Carmine Falcone dead, there is a grab for a new crime boss to rule the roost, and that's what Oz is after. With the Falcone children in the picture nothing is ever straight forward, Alberto with drugs and drinking issues and Sofia a past serial killer who has been rehabilitated from Arkham. Oz sort of recruits Vic as a Batman and Robin type roll whether he wanted to or not. With tensions high Oz tries to play both sides.
A FANTASTIC 1st episode. My most anticipated show of the past 2 years and it's off to the races.
This is a show of dialogue and it's perfect, that mixed with quite major events happening in one episode. Back in Gotham and it feels so real, somewhere you could actually visit ( not wanting to ).
The acting all round is super, there is a meaty story here and it looks like it will get bloody, 8.5/10.
Blink Twice (2024)
Zoe Kravitz well done !
Very good !
The movie is about Freda who is obsessed with Slater, CEO of a tech firm. She and her friend Jess are invited to his island for a relaxing get away. After some time it becomes clear that not all is as seems as strange things start happening and every day is becoming one long day.
It's a very enjoyable watch, some good twists in a good story, the acting all round was very good, Channing was superb as was Naomi playing Freda.
The pace was good it didn't feel too long, the story was good, location good, and ending very good.
I don't want to say much more just give it a watch, 8/10.
The Crow (2024)
Better than the reviews
I have never seen the origins know nothing about it so I'm judging this movie solely on itself and I'm saying that I thought it was cool.
The movie is about a man named Eric who is in a rehabilitation centre where he meets Shelly. Instantly sparking a connection they escape and live life together. When tragedy strikes Eric is brought to a plane where he can walk between life as he is burdened with loss and love. He is given the opportunity to right a wrong and reverse the tragedy.
Okay this movie is cool, I don't see why people are giving it a 2 and 3 I think that is very low, my guess people don't like it as much as the original?
My issues with the movie is more around depth, I would have liked a stronger story and more information on what is actually happening to him and the root of this mystic power.
I did however love the action, the moody tone to the movie. I believed his love for her, vengeance and revenge blurred, a good performance.
The ending was okay, again kinda would have liked that bit more, nothing AMAZING but a decent action flick, 6.5/10.
Agatha All Along: Circle Sewn With Fate / Unlock Thy Hidden Gate (2024)
The Road
An improvement on episode 1 for sure.
This episode Agatha has more of her wits about her as she is on a mission, she needs to reclaim power as she no longer has the dark hold. She is joined by a teen that for some reason we don't know who they are, on their way to collect a coven of witches so they can get to the witch's road which gives the person what they need the most.
A better episode due to a very good supporting cast introduced. Agatha is good, my favourite was Mrs Hart and the witch from the fortune tellers shop.
I must say enough goes on in the episodes that it has a fresher feeling than past Disney Plus shows. As of now each episode has progression on the path, besides Loki everything else was so slow and this is picking things up ! Happy with that, 6/10.
Agatha All Along: Seekest Thou the Road (2024)
Interesting
The show starts with an agent named Agnes who is on the case of a body that was found in the woods. She must try and identify who the body is and along the way she seems to be finding herself also.
The show is a fine start nothing spectacular! The acting I found was a bit weird, it just felt off at some points throughout the episode.
The story of this episode is fine, again it's the first episode so the hook is all you are looking for.
I will watch the whole show but nothing major drawing me in as of yet.
A good start to the Halloween season. I'm hoping this show takes off in the next couple episodes, 5.5/10.